Yandex Maps Launches 'Green' Walking Routes in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A new type of pedestrian route, designated as "Green," has been introduced on Yandex Maps in Tashkent. When building a route, the service offers an option that passes through areas with higher tree density and potentially shadier zones.

Uzbekistan became the first country where Yandex Maps implemented this functionality.

When generating a "Green" route, the algorithm evaluates several parameters, including the proportion of open path sections, tree canopy coverage density, average air temperature, and total route length. The alternation of open and shaded areas is also taken into account.

To determine the extent of green coverage, the Yandex Maps team created a digital tree map of Tashkent. Using a neural network, satellite imagery of the city was analyzed to identify the location and area of tree canopies.

According to the company, the model can process a color satellite image of an area up to 100 square kilometers in one to two minutes and identify tree-covered sections.

On a control sample of images not used in training, the recognition accuracy was approximately 90%. The collected data was then mapped against pedestrian streets, pathways, and crossings.

The new feature can be used when choosing a route to a metro station or bus stop, during walks, or while moving around the city for everyday purposes. A user only needs to specify the starting and ending points and select a walking route. If a "Green" option is available, it will be displayed among the suggested routes.

The development of such digital solutions also allows for a new assessment of the importance of urban greening. Trees and shaded areas are becoming a key factor in the comfort of pedestrian infrastructure, particularly under high summer temperatures.

The digital map of green zones can serve as an additional tool for evaluating the urban environment and drawing attention to the need to preserve and develop green spaces.